Our 166th Year
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MON DAY, AUGUS T 9, 2 021
Fiesta finale gala celebrates SB history
Arthur Murray Dancers pose along with guests of the Profant Foundation’s Fiesta Finale Gala as they recreate a historic gala photo during the Fiesta finale Sunday evening.
ANNELISE HANSHAW / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS
The Profant Foundation honors generations
Gil Rosas tickles the ivories as guests sit down to a meal.
By ANNELISE HANSHAW NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER
The Profant Foundation’s Fiesta Finale Gala shared the Santa Barbara many know and love — even during a time where traditions must be traded for safety. The finale, held at the historic El Paseo Restaurant, harkened back to the 1960 gala with the Profant tradition of recreating the photo. Gil Rosas, one of those pictured in the historic photograph, returned to play piano for the 2021 recreation. An iconic Santa Barbara pianist, Mr. Rosas has kept his rhythm throughout the years, earning him enthusiastic applause. The sons of the original photo’s pianist were in attendance, the Martinez Brothers. They opened and closed the night with music fit for hip-swaying and feet-stomping. Other performers include: Jessamyn Vedro, Marco Antonio Labastida, the Arthur Murray Dancers, the Santa Barbara Piano Brothers and Ricardo Chavez & Company. The Arthur Murray Dancers posed for the photograph, just like the dancers 61 years ago. Musette Profant searched for the posters in the 1960 image, purchased them and hung them on the wall. The dedication to tradition was apparent from attendees’ Sevilla dresses to the performers. “We honor what we have held that have been passed on to us and what we will pass on to others, honoring our generations. And this is rich and this is strong,” Father Larry Gosselin of the Saint Barbara Parish said to all attendees. Please see FINALE on A3
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